Method of testing chambers, &amp;c., for leaks.



W. W. WOTHERSPOON.

METHOD OF TESTING CHAMBERS, &c., FOR LEAKS.

APPLICATlON FILED FEB. 8. 19I2.

1.234%, Patented Oct. 24,1916.

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LEE,

"WILLIAM \VALLACE WOTI-IERSPOON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

METHOD OF TESTING CHAMBERS, &C., FOR LEAKS.

recast-v.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented oer. 2a, iaie.

Application filed'February 8, 1912. Serial No. 676,310.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, \VILLIAM VVALLAcn lVorirnRsrooN, a citizen of theUnited States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and Stateof New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inMethods of Testing Chambers, &c., for Leaks, of which the following is aspecification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to a method of testing chambers or vessels inorder to ascertain if a leak opening exists, such tests being desirablein connection with various fluid-containing chambers, such as steamboilers, water tanks, water-tight compartments of ships, ships doublebottoms, and the like.

In the case of watertight compartments of ships, it is of vitalimportance that the compartments be free from leaks, so that whenoccasion arises, as when a hole is stove in one or more compartments,the closure of the uninjured compartments, will effectually check thedanger of the water finding its way beyond the injured compartment.

In accordance with my invention, I propose in testing for a leak openingin chambers or compartments, to force air under pressure into the same,after first closing the usual and ordinary communications of thecompartment or chamber with the outside, and I provide for the entranceof a workman into the chamber while the pressure is maintained. While inthe chamber the workman will be enabled to determine, either by visibleor audible signs, if there is any escape of air, such signs being farmore noticeable from within the chamber than from without.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown the practice of my improvedmethod in connection with steam boiler, to test the same for leaks, andthe figure of the drawing represents in perspective, with parts insection, a steam boiler equipped with an air lock, and connected with asuitable source of compressed air.

Referring to the drawings, A represents a boiler having applied to themanhole B, an air lock C, having the usual doors D and E and valves Fand F.

G represents an air compressor, and H a pipe leading from the compressorand entering the boiler.

In making the test in accordance with my invention, the door E is closedand the valve F shut off, and air is forced into the boiler undersuitable pressure. The workman enters the lock through door D and closesthe same after him, and closes also valve F. Next he opens valve F sothat the pressure in the boiler and lock chamber will equalize,whereupon door E is opened and the workman enters the boiler. In makingthe test to determine if there is any opening through which thecompressed air is escaping, several different expedients may be resortedto. First, by listening to hear for the escape of the air. If thesmallest leak opening exists, the air under pressure within the chamberwill escape through the opening with a hissing sound, which, by reasonof the fact that the air in passing through the opening is rushing fromall points under pressure, and

further by reason of the fact that all out side sounds are shut out,will be clearly heard, and the exact location of the opening enabled tobe found. Second, by the use of a torch or candle moved around theinterior of the chamber. Any escape of air will at once deflect theflame in the direction of the opening, and will offer clear andunmistakable evidence if a leak exists. Third, by the use of a powder ordust thrown into the air.

If there is a leak, the particles will flow ina stream toward the same.Smoke may be also employed in this manner and with the same effects.

Other means unnecessary to here mention, may be resorted to, theforegoing expedients being those which at the present time occur to me,and all of them being particularly available for the purposes in view,by reason of the fact that they are ofpeculiar effectiveness whenpractised inside the chamber while the pressure of air therein ismaintained.

WVhile in the foregoing description it is set forth that the workmanenters the chamber after the air has been forced under pressure therein,it will be manifest that the invention comprehends as well a method ofprocedure under which the air pressure may be put on after the workmanhas entered. However, the former course is preferable by reason of theease of making an entrance into the chamber by means of an air lock.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is The method oftesting chambers, compartments, and the like, for the detection of leakopenings, which consists in closing airtight the usual and ordinarycommunicadicating medium toward the leak opening tions of the chamberWith the outside, introunder the influence of the escaping air. 10ducing air' under pressure into the closed In testimony whereof I aiiixmy signature chamber, distributing an indicating medium in presence oftWo Witnesses.

within the chamber capable of being dis- WILLIAM WALLACE WOTHERSPOON.placed by air currents, and finally locating Witnesses:

the position of the leak by observing Within WM. J. Down,

the chamber the direction of flow of said in-v WV. R. KEN EDY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents. Washington, I). G.

